College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Hebrews 9:1-10
F.
He is a Priest in a better tabernacle. Hebrews 9:1-28.
1.
The old tabernacle and its imperfect services. Hebrews 9:1-10.
Text
Hebrews 9:1 Now even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world. Hebrews 9:2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein were the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place.
Hebrews 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of holies: Hebrews 9:4 having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was a golden pot holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; Hebrews 9:5 and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally. Hebrews 9:6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services; Hebrews 9:7 but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offereth for himself, and for the errors of the people: Hebrews 9:8 the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing; Hebrews 9:9 which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect, Hebrews 9:10 being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.
Paraphrase
Hebrews 9:1 Now verily, although the first covenant is to be laid aside, I acknowledge it had both ordinances of worship, and a worldly Holy place appointed by God. But the former being merely an emblem of the services of Christ in heaven, and the latter a shadow of the world or universe, the covenant of which they are the ordinances is become useless, now that Christ hath performed the services of heaven.
Hebrews 9:2 For the outward tabernacle, which is called Holy, was built and furnished so as to represent the earth and the visible heavens, having both the golden candlestick towards the south, and the table with the show-bread towards the north, Exodus 26:35.
Hebrews 9:3 And behind the innermost veil, the tabernacle, which is called the Most Holy Place, was in like manner built and furnished according to a pattern formed by God, so as to be a representation of heaven, the invisible habitation of the Deity;
Hebrews 9:4 Having the golden censer, on which the high priest burned incense when he entered the Most Holy place, and the ark of the covenant, which was covered both on the inside and the out with gold; in which were the golden pot, having an omer of the manna wherewith the Israelites were fed in the wilderness, and Aaron's rod which blossomed and bare almonds, and the tables of the covenant from which the ark had its name;
Hebrews 9:5 And above the ark the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy-seat, and forming a magnificent throne for the glory of the Lord, which rested between them, (Exodus 25:22); concerning the meaning of which things I have not time at present to speak particularly, my design being to explain what was signified by the services of the tabernacles.
Hebrews 9:6 Now the tabernacles with their utensils being thus constructed and arranged, the ordinary priests go at all times indeed into the first tabernacle, performing the services; of which the chief is their sprinkling the blood of the sin-offerings before the veil which concealed the symbol of the Divine Presence from their view:
Hebrews 9:7 But into the inward tabernacle, which represents heaven, the high priest and no one else goeth; and he only one day in the year; not however without the blood of different sacrifices, which he offereth for his own, and for the people's sins of ignorance.
Hebrews 9:8 By the absolute exclusion of the priests and people from the inward tabernacle, the Holy Ghost, who formed the pattern of the tabernacles and of their services, showed this, that the way into the true holy places, represented by the inward tabernacle, was not yet laid open to men, while this world, represented by the outward tabernacle, still subsisteth;
Hebrews 9:9 Which tabernacle with its services, whereby the worshipper was not brought into the immediate presence of the Deity, was a parabolical instruction concerning the time which is present, during which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot, by banishing the fear of punishment, make him perfect, with respect to conscience, who worshippeth God.
Hebrews 9:10 With nothing but meats and drinks, and divers immersions and ordinances respecting the purifying of the body, imposed only until the time of the reformation of the worship of God by Christ, who was to abolish the Levitical services, and to introduce a worship in spirit and in truth, which may be performed in every place.
Comment
Now even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service
The point he is making is this:
a.
The whole form of worshipping God was annexed to the old covenant.
b.
It had sacrifices, ablutions and symbols connected with the sanctuary.
c.
They were divine services, for God planned them.
Exodus 31:1-10 states that Bezalel was given the Spirit of God in order to construct the tabernacle and design the clothes.
Ordinances: (Services)
a.
Milligan says that services is a verbal noun and means:
1.
A righteous action, an act by which righteousness is fulfilled. Romans 5:18.
2.
A righteous judgment, indicating that a sinner is made righteous through the righteousness of Christ. Romans 5:16.
3.
A righteous decree, or appointment, ordinance, law, rule.
b.
Milligan feels that the latter one (No. 3) is preferable here.
and its sanctuary a sanctuary of this world
These words are stated to draw a contrast between the earthly tabernacle services with the Holy of holies in heaven. The Holy of holies in heaven has a Priest who has finished the sacrifice and is seated at the right hand of God.
for there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein were
The first is inserted. perhaps, to distinguish between the tabernacle and the temple, say some. The context indicates that the Holy place is referred to. Most authorities agree that this is the tabernacle, for the temple did not possess the tablets of stone after the captivity.
the candlestick
It was made of a talent of gold. Exodus 25:31-40. Rabbis say that it was four cubits high, had six branches. It stood on the south side.
and the table
This stood on the north opposite the candlestick. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. On it were placed the twelve loaves, changed each sabbath. The setting of the table with bread, once a week, is a type of the Lord's table.
and the showbread
Also called the bread of the face, so-called because it was in the presence of God. On the table were placed every sabbath day by the high priest twelve cakes made of fine flour, six in a row, and on each row a cup of frankincense. Leviticus 24:5-9.
which is called the Holy Place
The word first must refer to this place, In this section of the tabernacle, the priests worked continually.
and after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies
After the second veil refers to the veil that separated the Holy of Holies.
a.
The first was at the entrance to the Holy Place.
b.
The second refers to the one separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
1.
The temple in Jerusalem at the time of Christ had a veil, for it was torn from the top to the bottom, Matthew 27:51.
2.
The temple of Solomon had wooden doors, 1 Kings 6:31-33, Into this second veil the priest entered but once a year. Hebrews 9:7.
having a golden altar of incense
This is not mentioned by Moses as to location, some say, The high priest went in once a year to burn incense. Some think it was left just inside all year. This verse seems to locate it in the Holy of Holies.
McKnight says it was left in the Holy of Holies close enough so the priest could reach beneath the veil and pull it out. Newell says it was placed close to the veil in the holy place but is regarded by the Spirit of God, in Hebrews 9:4, as belonging to the Holy of Holies. He says see Exodus 30:1; Exodus 30:6-7; Exodus 30:10; Exodus 40:5. Solomon's building was like it. 1 Kings 6:19-22. The altars of incense represent prayer in the study of types.
and the ark of the covenant
The instructions for the building of this container: Deuteronomy 10:1-5.
It was a sort of chest overlaid with gold.
a.
In it were the two tables of the law. 1 Kings 8:9.
b.
The things it contained are named in this verse, but the word wherein may not mean in the ark, but rather in the Holy of Holies.
c.
It was made of shittim wood (acacia) 2½ cubits long and 1½ cubits broad and deep.
overlaid round about with gold
God has always used beautiful things in worship to impress the people with its importance. God also makes wonderful use of simple things likewise, as seen in the emblems of the Lord's Supper.
wherein was a golden pot holding the manna
See Exodus 16:32-34. Manna was kept from the wilderness journey.
a.
It contained an omer (seven pints).
Was the pot in the ark?
a.
No, says 1 Kings 8:9, only the tables of stone.
b.
By the time of Solomon, perhaps other contents had been lost, and so the time element enters into the problem here.
c.
McKnight suggests that the words may mean nigh to the pot, and the rod may have been a part of the ark, but not actually in it.
and Aaron's rod that budded
See Numbers 17:1-11It blossomed and bore ripe almonds. Clarke says that this was in the ark. However the reading may be understood to mean in the Holy of Holies. See 1 Kings 8:9 which says only the tables were in the ark. The time element should be considered.
and the tables of the covenant
Deuteronomy 10:1-5 gives the account of the construction of it. 1 Kings 8:9 indicates that the pot of manna and Aaron's rod had been removed from the ark and likely lost before the temple.
and above it cherubim of glory
Cherubim is plural of cherub. It means keeper, guardian. See Ezekiel 1:5-11; Ezekiel 1:13-14 for their physical appearance. Ezekiel 1:24; Ezekiel 10:5: The sound of their wings was as the voice of God.
These were of gold, and were at each end of the mercy seat. Exodus 25:18-20. The cherubim seem to be an order of angels. Genesis 3:24. The word glory may be understood in the light that these angels surround God, so between them would be the peace of God's glory.
overshadowing the mercy seat
They were at each end, facing each other, but looking down on the cover or the mercy seat, The presence of the angels abiding in figure form renders a fit image of heaven.
of which things we cannot now speak severally
Christ can be seen in each. He is the Light, Bread, Ark, the Word, Examination of details is not necessary to perceive the lesson gained, Detail is not desired, but contrast is the author's purpose.
Now these things having been thus prepared the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle accomplishing the services
The priest went into the Holy Place twice daily.
a.
There was the incense to burn in the morning.
b.
There was the evening sacrifice.
There was a continued task, Leviticus 4:6.
Observe the contrasts that can be made:
a.
The high priest of Israel dared not go in at all times. Leviticus 16:2.
b.
He went in only once a year. Leviticus 16:12-15.
c.
He went in with blood; blood of animals, not his own.
d.
He had to repeat the sacrifice yearly, It was never finished.
e.
He had to pass through a veil that shut out all the people.
f.
He was subject to death, and his office passed to another, Hebrews 7:23. Christ's priesthood is forever. Hebrews 7:24.
g.
The sacrifices of the priest made a remembrance of sins. Christ takes them away.
but into the second the high priest alone
Only the high priest entered, and once a year, but he could enter several times on that day. Leviticus 16. He alone had this privilege.
once in the year
This was a day prescribed by law. It was the tenth of the month Tisri, perhaps the 1st of October, for Tisri corresponds to our September and October.
Some say Leviticus 16:12-15 shows he went in three times on that day, Jewish tradition says four times. One time may be for the purpose of bringing out the golden censer.
He brought in the incense and some say he placed it on the golden censer. Some say it was brought in too.
a.
if it were placed just inside, it could be reached from beneath the veil.
b.
Wherever the censer was placed, it was a part of the Holy of Holies.
not without blood
He brought the blood of a bullock.
a.
He sprinkled some portion of it seven times before the ark and the veil. Leviticus 16:14.
b.
The blood was sprinkled in the inward tabernacle before the symbol of the divine presence.
Milligan says that this doesn-'t mean that he took blood all four times.
which he offereth for himself
Offered animal blood for himself since he was a sinner. It was not his own blood. See Hebrews 9:25. Christ offered His own blood for all, but there was no need for offering blood for His sin, since He had none. Hebrews 4:15.
and for the errors of the people
Clarke says, For the sins of which they were not conscioussins done in ignorance. See Numbers 15:28-29. Of course no sacrifice existed for sin of high hand, in open defiance, contempt. See Numbers 15:30-31. By this the people were absolved of all sin of the past year and now had access to the mercy seat.
the Holy Spirit this signifying
The Holy Spirit designed, but also served as an interpreter.
a.
We see in Hebrews 10:14-22 the lesson that entrance has been made into heaven.
b.
While the old covenant was in existence, entrance had not been made.
The Holy Spirit could signify a new message after the temple veil was ripped at the time of Christ's crucifixion.
that the way into the Holy Place hath not yet been made manifest
The fact that the priest could go in only once a year and then only if he had blood demonstrated that the way into heaven was not yet revealed,
a.
They in a sense had salvation.
1.
2.
3.
But all of it looked forward to Christ, which they did not understand. This suggests that it all was temporary; something better was in the future.
while the first tabernacle is yet standing
The Old Testament is a closed way; the heavens were not opened by it, The New Testament is an open way.
a.
Open veilThe old one was rent in twain.
b.
Open tomb.
c.
Open church.
d.
Open heavens.
which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect
Even when the sacrifices were done and performed perfectly, yet now man knew he was a sinner.
It took the torn flesh of Christ to reveal the mercy seat of God.
a.
The temple veil being torn (Matthew 27:51) shows that God had now opened the Holy of Holies for man.
b.
These sacrifices reminded men of sin, but could not cleanse the conscience.
As touching the conscience:
a.
The law was to point out sin and to make men conscious of sin.
b.
These caused the sinner to be concerned. Hebrews 10:3: But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance made of sins year by year.
c.
We can have a cleansed conscience.
1.
Hebrews 9:14: Cleanse your conscience from dead works.
2.
Hebrews 10:22: ... having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
3.
1 Timothy 3:9: ... holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
4.
1 Peter 3:21: ... but the answer of a good conscience toward God.
being only with meats
Commentators have practically nothing to say here except Milligan, who feels the language is difficult. The point is that all of this is carnal, and Milligan feels that man's conscience was clear only in respect to meats and drinks and washings. The gifts and sacrifices could not clear his conscience, says Milligan.
It seems to me that Hebrews says man's conscience could not be cleared with gifts and sacrifices, since it was done only with meats, drinks, etc.
and drinks
This refers to the drink offerings that accompanied the other offerings. See Exodus 29:40-41.
a.
According to Peloubet, this was excluded from the sin and trespass offering.
b.
At all set feasts the drink offering was presented. Leviticus 23:13; Leviticus 23:18; Leviticus 23:37.
Other verses are: Numbers 15:4-7; Numbers 10-21: Numbers 28:7-8; Numbers 9-10; Numbers 14-31; and Numbers 29:6-39. We see in Leviticus 10:9 that Aaron was forbidden the right to drink wine throughout his generations.
and divers washings
The washings were immersion in type. Here are some of them:
a.
Whole body was washed.
1.
The priest's whole body was washed at the time of his consecration. Leviticus 16:4.
2.
High priest on day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:4; Leviticus 16:24.
3.
Priest defiled with uncleanness. Leviticus 22:6.
4.
Priest who officiated at the services of the red heifer. Numbers 19:7.
5.
Man who burned the red heifer. Numbers 19:8.
b.
Washing of hands and feet.
c.
Washing of garments.
d.
Washing of inwards and legs of burnt offerings.
e.
Washing of wooden vessels.
f.
Washing of spoils of war as could not pass through fire. Numbers 31:21-23.
carnal ordinances
Some would depend upon them today.
1 Timothy 4:1-3: Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats.
These things made the flesh clean, not the spirit righteous.
imposed until a time of reformation
This may refer to the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:37, says one commentator. It is also translated time of rectifying. This refers to the coming of Christ and the new covenant.
Study Questions
1442.
What is referred to as the first covenant?
1443.
What was included in the divine services?
1444.
What is meant by ordinances?
1445.
What is meant by ablutions?
1446.
Who was instructed to construct the tabernacle and to make the priestly garments?
1447.
What was the sanctuary?
1448.
Why is it called of this world?
1449.
What other names did it have?
1450.
How was its construction financed? See Exodus 25:1-8; Exodus 35:4-29; Exodus 36:5-7.
1451.
Is there any significance to the word first?
1452.
Do other translations have the word?
1453.
Why could it not refer to Solomon's temple?
1454.
Where was the location of the candlestick, table, and showbread?
1455.
Describe the tabernaclethe whole situation.
1456.
Where did one enter?
1457. What was the size?
1458.
How many parts did it have?
1459.
As you enter, what did you see first? Next? What next?
1460.
What was on the right side of it?
1461.
What was on the left side of it?
1462.
What was in the center?
1463.
What is seen next as you proceed?
1464.
What was in the Holy of Holies?
1465.
What was in the ark?
1466.
Which way did the tabernacle face?
1467.
How large was the tent of meeting, or the Holy Place?
1468.
Name the materials involved in construction of the whole tabernacle.
1469.
What were the walls of the court made of?
1470.
What were the walls of the Holy Place made of?
1471.
How were they held together?
1472.
We have a second veil mentioned. Where is it? Where was the first veil?
1473.
Did the temple at Jerusalem have a veil?
1474.
What was done to it? Matthew 27:51.
1475.
Did Solomon's temple have a veil? See 1 Kings 6:31-33.
1476.
How often and who had the privilege to enter this second veil? See Hebrews 9:7.
1477.
Where was the altar of incense located?
1478.
What had a golden altar of incense?
1479.
What are the opinions as to its location?
1480.
What does Exodus 30:1; Exodus 30:6-7; Exodus 30:10 and Exodus 40:5 says? Cf. Exodus 16:33; Numbers 17:10; Leviticus 16:12; Leviticus 16:15.
1481.
Was it an expensive thing?
1482.
Does God always use beautiful and expensive things?
1483.
Describe the ark of the covenant.
1484.
Why do 1 Kings 8:9 and 2 Chronicles 5:10 differ in regard to the content of the ark of the covenant?
1485.
What did it contain?
1486.
How large was it?
1487.
Does the word wherein mean that the pot was in the ark or in the Holy of Holies?
1488.
What does 1 Kings 8:9 say?
1489.
Could the pot have been lost by the time of 1 Kings 8:9?
1490.
What do you think of McKnight's explanation, saying, nigh to? Is this not the way the denominations deny water baptism?
1491.
Describe Aaron's rod that budded.
1492.
Does 1 Kings 8:9 affect this?
1493.
Observe the Catholic Bible translation.
1494.
What did it bud with? Numbers 17:1-11.
1495.
What is referred to by the tables of the covenant? Would this require the ark to be of sturdy construction to hold heavy tablets of stone?
1496.
What appears above the ark?
1497.
What is the meaning of the word seraphim?
1498.
Is there more than one?
1499.
Who were they? See Genesis 3:24.
1500.
What do we know about their appearance? See Ezekiel 1:5-11; Ezekiel 1:13-14.
1501.
Were the cherubim silent? Cf. Ezekiel 1:24; Ezekiel 10:5.
1502.
Were they alive above the ark? See Exodus 25:18-20.
1503.
If they had been alive, is it possible the interpretation of 1 Kings 8:9 means that articles were lost by the time of the temple?
1504.
Does the author feel that he has gone into the subject thoroughly according to Hebrews 9:5?
1505.
What is meant by the expression that the priest go in continually?
1506.
How many times daily did they go in, and what did they do?
1507.
What continual task did they have? Leviticus 4:6.
1508.
Where was this done?
1509.
Was the author of Hebrews speaking of the temple in Jerusalem, or the original tabernacle?
1510.
What is meant by the word second?
1511.
Contrast the work of the priest with that of the high priest.
1512.
Contrast his work with that of Christ.
1513.
What day was it that allowed the high priest to go into the Holy of Holies?
1514.
Did he go in more than once on this day? Cf. Leviticus 16:12-15.
1515.
What did he have to possess when he went in?
1516.
Does this mean he took blood all four times, if he went in that many?
1517.
What persons were in need of the blood?
1518.
Compare Hebrews 9:25 here.
1519.
Does Hebrews 4:15 tell why Jesus didn-'t offer blood for Himself?
1520.
What does the errors of the people refer to?
1521.
Was it for sins of which they were ignorant? Cf. Numbers 15:28-29.
1522.
Was there a sacrifice for deliberate sin? Cf. Numbers 15:30-31.
1523.
What fringe was worn as a memorial to the breaking of one of the ten commandments? Cf. Numbers 15:37-41.
1524.
What did the Holy Spirit signify?
1525.
Did these old covenant people realize that heaven was not open yet to man?
1526.
How long was heaven closed?
1527.
What did God do to show that heaven was open and that the old covenant no longer had a closed Holy of Holies?
1528.
What is meant by the word figure?
1529.
What did it prefigure?
1530.
What is meant by both gifts and sacrifices?
1531.
What effect did the sacrifices have on the conscience?
1532.
Could they make the conscience clear?
1533.
Read Hebrews 10:3 for a discussion of the cleansing of sin.
1534.
Can the Christian have a clear conscience? Cf. Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Peter 3:21.
1535.
What kinds of attempts at reconciliation are mentioned in Hebrews 9:10?
1536.
What does meats refer to?
1537.
What is referred to by drinks?
1538.
Was it an offering? Cf. Exodus 29:40-41.
1539.
What material was used in the drink offering? Leviticus 23:13; Leviticus 23:18; Leviticus 23:37.
1540.
Does it accompany all the offerings?
1541.
Were all the priests allowed to drink wine in the drink offerings? Cf. Leviticus 10:9.
1542.
What is meant by divers washings?
1543.
What things and persons were washed?
1544.
Were the priests washed after each sacrifice?
1545.
Were all sacrifices washed?
1546.
Define the meaning of carnal ordinances.
1547.
Do people depend upon carnal ordinances today for salvation? Cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-3.
1548.
How long were these things to last?
1549.
What is meant by the word reformation?
1550.
Is this Luther's reformation or Campbell's restoration?
1551.
What other word is used by translators?
1552.
How do we know what is meant?
1553.
Are these commandments ordained this side of the cross?